Detailed Description

About the Activity

Kathakali

Kathakali, literally meaning `story-play’, is a dance-drama originated in the 17th century in Kerala, one of the smallest states in India lying on the west coast of the Indian peninsula. Scholars are of opinion that Kathakali is the result of a fusion between all Indian theater tradition represented by Koodiyattom and the indigenous tradition of folk dance forms. It was one of the Rajas (Chieftain) of Kottarakkara, who wrote the first play intended for Kathakali performance. They form a cycle of eight stories based on Ramayana. The performance for each story was designed to last for six to eight hours. The performed stories were then known as Ramanattom (play pertaining to Rama), which later came to be called as Kathakali. Stories based on other epics and puranas were added to its repertoire in later period. Among the better known Kathakali play writes are Kottarakara Thampuran, based on Ramayana Stories; Kottayam Thampuran, stories based on Mahabharatha; Irayamman Thampi, who was both a good poet and composer, Unnayi Warrier, the author of Nalacharitham (Story of King Nala); and Vayaskara Moosad who wrote one of the popular stories — Duryodhana Vadham.
Kathakali is a harmonious combination of five forms of fine art:
Literature (Sahithyam)
Music (Sangeetham)
Painting (Chithram)
Acting (Natyam)
Dance (Nritham)
The role of each of these art forms is very vital in the making of Kathakali what it is, the King of performing arts, particularly theatre.

Kalarippayattu

This is a world famous, ancient, traditional Marital Art form of Kerala renowned as mother of all “martial arts”. It has a long tradition and later many techniques of this art were adapted into marital arts like karate, kung-fu, judo etc. As in Kathakali, here also the practitioners of this marital art from need to undergo several years of rigorous practice, and a building up of courage, fitness of mind and body. This art is performed in a “Kuzhikkalari” (earthern carving) by the artists after several years rigorous training. Our performance include body control exercises, fight with metallic weapons like sword, shield, spear, dagger, belt sword, long stick, short stick, bare hand fights etc. It will be an invigorating experience for you. You can witness some breathtaking moments and be mesmerized by the thrilling spell and charm of this traditional martial art from in our Kalari theater.?

Inclusions & Exclusions

1 Hr Kathakali Dance show and 1 Hr Kalarippayattu

Show Timings for Kathakali 05.00 pm & 07.00 pm

Show Timings for Kalarippayattu 06.00 pm to 07.15pm

How to Get There

It is situated at 143 km away from Alapuzzha

Applicable Seasons

Throughout the Year